Monday, 9 November 2015

Here's an article I came across just now, and thought I'd share it with you all. Article courtesy of Islamic Leaning Materials.

You Pray And You Pray…

Frustrating isn’t it? You pray and you pray. You make long duas and
just pour your heart out. You beg and you plead to Allah to give you
something or remove some harm from you.
But no matter how hard you supplicate, your duas just don’t seem to get answered. And you have no idea why.
You’re not a bad person. There are worse people out there than you.
Why won’t Allah answer your duas? What are you doing wrong? Is there
some secret formula or secret code to getting the Almighty to respond?
Let me first put your mind at ease by letting you know that Allah hears everything you say, and He knows everything you desire.

And when My servants ask you, concerning Me – indeed I am near. I respond to the #invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me and believe in Me that they may be guided.

So rest assured, that Allah hears you. But look at the last part of
that verse. Allah commands us to respond to Him and Believe in Him.
Are you doing that? Have you responded to Allah and His messenger (peace be upon him)? Is your belief (imaan) complete?
Perhaps you’re lacking in a few areas. Or perhaps it’s something even
deeper than that. Let’s look at a few reasons that might be holding
your duas up.Photo courtesy Bogdan Migulski

1. You Aren’t Doing Your Part.

This might be the most obvious problem. You want Allah to give you
this and give you that, but you aren’t giving Him anything in return.

I’m sure you understand that Allah punishes us for the wrong we do.
That punishment is not just in the hereafter; it can also happen in this
life. Neglecting the 5 pillars of Islam is sinful and will earn Allah’s punishment.
Perhaps that’s why He’s not giving you what you want. So stop
backsliding and straighten up. Do what He has commanded you to do and
you might see your life improve through #dua.

2. You Are Impatient.

You just couldn’t wait could you? You asked Allah for something over
and over again, and when you didn’t get it when you wanted it, you got
impatient.
And so you gave up. You stopped asking and started believing that
Allah wasn’t going to answer your dua. And then you went and told
someone that Allah didn’t answer your prayers.

The supplication of a slave continues to be granted as
long as he does not supplicate for a sinful thing or for something that
would cut off the ties of kinship and he does not grow impatient.” It
was said: “O Messenger of Allah! What does growing impatient mean?” He
(PBUH) said, “It is one’s saying: `I supplicated again and again but I
do not think that my prayer will be answered.’ Then he becomes
frustrated (in such circumstances) and gives up supplication altogether.
Related in Muslim.

Your knowledge is limited. But Allah’s knowledge is unlimited. You
might think you want something right now, but Allah knows better when it
is right to give it to you.
Perhaps He didn’t give it to you at that time because it would bring
you more harm than good. Perhaps He wanted to test you and had you been
patient with the test, He would have rewarded you with something better.
Only Allah knows.
But since you became impatient, and said the wrong thing and stopped making dua, you lost out on everything.

3. You Ask For Something Evil.

This should be a no-brainer.
Why would anyone ask Allah for something bad? Is that what you did? Did you ask Allah for something that would bring you sin?

Did you ask Him to give you a girlfriend or boyfriend?

Did you ask Him to to give you a Riba-based loan so you could buy a house or car?

Did you ask Him to bring you income from a job that sells pork or alcohol?

Well if you did, now you know why He didn’t answer your supplication.

4. You Don’t Think You’re Gonna Get It.

Why would you even ask Allah for something if you don’t believe He’s
gonna give it to you? What’s the point of supplicating Allah if you
don’t have any faith that it’s gonna happen?
Impossible and possible is all in your mind. Just because you don’t
think it can happen, doesn’t mean it won’t. And it certainly doesn’t
mean Allah can’t make it happen.
Don’t you know that Allah is:

Al-Aziz – The Mighty

Al-Samad – The One that everything relies upon

Al-Qadir – The Powerful

Don’t make half-hearted duas. Make your duas with confidence that
Allah will grant them. Especially if you’re asking for something good
and beneficial.

Abu Huraira reported: “None of you should say, ‘O Allah,
forgive me if You wish, (or) O Allah, have mercy on me if you wish.’
Rather you should be firm in your request, for (Allah does whatever He
wishes) and no one can force Him to do otherwise.”

That just about says it all.

5. You Are Involved In Too Much Evil.

Read the following hadith:

“O people, Allah is Good and He, therefore, accepts only
that which is good. And Allah commanded the believers as He commanded
the Messengers by saying, ‘O Messengers, eat of the good things, and do
good deeds; verily I am aware of what you do,’ Qur’an 23.51 and He said:
‘O those who believe, eat of the good things that We gave you’.” Qur’an
2.172 The Prophet, peace be upon him, then made mention of a person who
travels widely, his hair dishevelled, and covered with dust. “He lifts
his hands and makes supplication, ‘O Lord, O Lord,’ but his diet is
unlawful, his drink is unlawful, and his clothes are unlawful, and his
nourishment is unlawful. How then can his supplication be accepted?“
Narrated in Muslim.

There are many things you can take from this hadith regarding your duas. Let’s look at some of them:

Allah is good and He only likes that which is good. So if you’re good, then He will give you good.

The things we eat and consume have an affect on our spirituality and closeness to Allah.

Just because you’re going through a difficult time, it doesn’t mean Allah is obligated to answer your prayers.

We are commanded to follow the example of the Prophets of Allah (peace be upon all of them).

Inshallah, I hope this serves as a reminder for both you and me on
what it takes to come closer to Allah and have our duas answered.

"Therefore remember Me (by praying, glorifying, etc.). I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me.O you who believe! Seek help in patience and As-Salat (the prayer). Truly! Allah is with As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.)"

Sunday, 4 October 2015

[Hook: Guru]
Riot Akt, this is where we really prepare
Riot Akt, out here we show no fear
Riot Akt, time to protect our communities
Riot Akt, real criminals get immunity
Riot Akt, eye for an eye - so yo who want it?
Riot Akt, rushin all you cowards who fronted
Riot Akt, let's bring the power to the people
Riot Akt, no justice then we gotta come see you

[Verse One: Guru]
Just like a thunderous gun clap, you wonder who done that
Put you under with one rap, me and the brothers have come back
We'll lash you for tryin that, we know you been lyin cat
So now you be lyin flat, we'll read you the riot act
Whassup you little fuck, get your life right
Cause there's too much goin in the world, and shit ain't quite right
See you're just addin to the problem
Young gun, high-strung, ready to trey-eight revolve 'em
Knot nearly in your waist, you step up in the place
Catch one off guard, he lookin silly in the face
But hear they come with the M-16's
They got teargas, helmets and clubs - knahmean?
It's martial law in these streets
It's like Afghanistan man, it's gettin raw in the streets
Still you demand your rights, I understand your plight
But do the knowledge if you plan to fight

[Hook]

[Verse Two: Guru]
So realize what it is to be oppressed and afflicted
Subjected to sick shit, knowin others live different
Fuck that, the streets about to blow again
They forgot, so we gotta let 'em know again
Huh, we'll blast you for tryin that, we know you been lyin cat
So now you be lyin flat, we'll read you the riot act
Soldiers, let's show these cowards what's up
The hood ain't goin for it, let's get ours, that's what's up
Be sure to keep a balance to your fight
And do the math, figure how to use your talents in a fight
Ain't nuttin worse than a rebel without a cause
Ain't nuttin worse than a people without laws
200 million square miles under attack
Reperations for us blacks, hell yeah, they need to come with that
Who's gonna take the weight, and erase the hate
All I know is when we come through, better make some space

[Hook]

[Verse Three: Guru]
A lot of people ain't happy you can tell by their ways
It's growin tense okay, I can smell it today
Tenement buildings house the next killers
While rich diplomats, are purchasin their next villas
But for the scrilla and power, uhh
They'll send some killers to their hood, that are iller than ours
Still niggas settle beef, with the metal piece
And every block stays hot, like the devil's feet
Incarceration of the mind, police brutality and poverty
These are realities of mankind
And we can't win nigga, if we keep shuckin and jivin
In a minute, they gon' have us duckin and divin
They got bullets for us {*automatic fire*} yeah, uh-huh
They got jail cells and graveyards, they the bullies, not us
We'll blast you for tryin that, we know you been lyin cat
So now you be lyin flat, cause this is the riot act

Tony Blair can try to delay this weak and meaningless Chilcot Inquiry, but he cannot delay (in any way, shape or form) the inevitable - the inevitable that will come to us all; The Judgement. Iraq is in a mess because of this man, and will continue to be so for a long time to come. Lest we not forget the 1million+ lives he is responsible for ending over there.

Saturday, 13 June 2015

A crucial time for all Muslims across the world is almost upon us. A time of gratitude, reflection and hope. Ramadan is the event where we give all thanks and praises to Allah, The One Source of everything. We show our appreciation for Him and His gifts He endlessly bestows on us by sacrificing some of the more significant things in our everyday lives during the daytime. Unfortunately, there are many people out there that are in a dire situation where they're not able to be kept fed regularly or have sufficient shelter from harsh weather conditions, so this annual occurrence reminds us that we all could be in a much more modest position, and to supplicate [pray[ for those that are really struggling for Allah to improve their state of affairs.

Ramadan starts upon the sighting of the new moon; for 2015 this will commence around the evening of the 17th June; but as you may probably know, it is also dependant upon your location. Ramadan UK has various timetables for places around Britain, stating that fast spans between Fajr and Maghrib prayers.

AYTD hopes that you enjoy this special occasion, and that it strengthens your personal connection to Him. Please, never stop reaching out and conversing with Him - He is always there to listen to you; always.

The police have powers to stop and question you at any time - they can search you depending on the situation.

A police community support officer (PCSO) must be in uniform when they stop and question you. A police officer doesn’t always have to be in uniform but if they’re not wearing uniform they must show you their warrant card.Stop and question: police powers

A police officer has powers to stop you at any time and ask you:

what you’re doing

why you’re in an area and/or where you’re going

However, you don’t have to answer any questions the police officer asks you.

STOP AND SEARCH: POLICE POWERS

A police officer has powers to stop and search you if they have ‘reasonable grounds’ to suspect you’re carrying:

illegal drugs

a weapon

stolen property

something which could be used to commit a crime, eg a crowbar

You can only be stopped and searched without reasonable grounds if it has been approved by a senior police officer. This can happen if it is suspected that:

serious violence could take place

you’re carrying a weapon or have used one

you’re in a specific location or area

BEFORE YOU'RE SEARCHED

Before you’re searched the police officer must tell you:

their name and police station

what they expect to find, eg drugs

the reason they want to search you, eg it looks like you’re hiding something

why they are legally allowed to search you

that you can have a record of the search and if this isn’t possible at the time, how you can get a copy

REMOVING CLOTHING: POLICE POWERS

A police officer can ask you to take off your coat, jacket or gloves.

The police might ask you to take off other clothes and anything you’re wearing for religious reasons - eg a veil or turban. If they do, they must take you somewhere out of public view.

If the officer wants to remove more than a jacket and gloves they must be the same sex as you.Being searched doesn’t mean you’re being arrested.

Unless you've been arrested, you are a free person to say and do whatever you wish, within reason that is. Would you think its OK if a random stranger comes up to you and asks you to empty your pockets and see what's in your bag? Is it fine for a group of unknown individuals to go through your home or vehicle without your permission or the correct authority to do so? No. Non. Nein. Niet. Nai. NO! NO! NO!!!! The police are no different. If you are minding your business and are suddenly being approached and harassed by the police, it is highly unlikely that they are doing their duty to protect and serve, and are more likely to be on the quest for that arrest... and more. Therefore, you don't need to get into a conversation with an officer, as counter-intuitive as that may be for many people.

Non-compliance to police questioning gives you the best chance of staying somewhat "free", as opposed to being held in a cell over at the local station. Try to say as little as possible, as little as you need to, as of course; anything you do say may be given in evidence.

Monday, 23 March 2015

"Beautified is the life of this world for those who disbelieve, and they mock at those who believe. But those who obey Allah's Orders and keep away from what He has forbidden, will be above them on the Day of Resurrection. And Allah gives (of His Bounty, Blessings, Favours, Honours, etc. on the Day of Resurrection) to whom He wills without limit."

"Verily, those who disbelieve, it is the same to them whether you (O Muhammad Peace be upon him ) warn them or do not warn them, they will not believe.Allah has set a seal on their hearts and on their hearings, (i.e. they are closed from accepting Allah's Guidance), and on their eyes there is a covering. Theirs will be a great torment.And of mankind, there are some (hypocrites) who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day" while in fact they believe not.They (think to) deceive Allah and those who believe, while they only deceive themselves, and perceive (it) not!In their hearts is a disease (of doubt and hypocrisy) and Allah has increased their disease. A painful torment is theirs because they used to tell lies.And when it is said to them: "Make not mischief on the earth," they say: "We are only peacemakers."Verily! They are the ones who make mischief, but they perceive not.And when it is said to them (hypocrites): "Believe as the people (followers of Muhammad Peace be upon him , Al-Ansar and Al-Muhajirun) have believed," they say: "Shall we believe as the fools have believed?" Verily, they are the fools, but they know not.And when they meet those who believe, they say: "We believe," but when they are alone with their Shayatin (devils - polytheists, hypocrites, etc.), they say: "Truly, we are with you; verily, we were but mocking."Allah mocks at them and gives them increase in their wrong-doings to wander blindly.These are they who have purchased error for guidance, so their commerce was profitless. And they were not guided.Their likeness is as the likeness of one who kindled a fire; then, when it lighted all around him, Allah took away their light and left them in darkness. (So) they could not see.They are deaf, dumb, and blind, so they return not (to the Right Path)."

"Perhaps (often) will those who disbelieve wish that they were Muslims [those who have submitted themselves to Allah's Will in Islam Islamic Monotheism, this will be on the Day of Resurrection when they will see the disbelievers going to Hell and the Muslims going to Paradise].Leave them to eat and enjoy, and let them be preoccupied with (false) hope. They will come to know!"

Thursday, 15 January 2015

The old world is buried. A new one has been forged atop the shifting dunes. Here in this land of howling wind and infernal sand, four siblings find themselves scattered and lost. Palmer has never been the same since his father walked out twelve years ago. His elder sister, Vic, is trying to run away from the past; his younger brothers, Connor and Rob, are risking their lives to embrace it. His mother, left with nothing but anger, is just trying to forget. Palmer wants to prove his worth, not only to his family, but to himself. And in the barren, dune-covered landscape of his home, there is only one way to earn respect: sand-diving. Plunging deep below the desert floor in search of relics and scraps of the old world. He is about to embark on the most dangerous dive of his young life, aiming to become the first to discover the rumoured city below. Deep within the sand lies the key to bringing his family together - and tearing their world apart.

THE VICTIMS - In Boston, Detective Jane Rizzoli and Forensic Pathologist Maura Isles are investigating a bizarre murder. A man has been found gutted and hanging in his home. When the remains of another victim are found, it is clear that this murderer has been at work for years, and not just in Boston. THE KILLER - Six years ago, a group of travellers set off on an African safari. None of them are seen again - apart from one woman who stumbled out of the bush weeks later, barely alive. The only woman to have seen the killer's face. THE SURVIVOR - Has the 'safari killer' resurfaced in Boston? Jane is sent to Africa to find the one link between the two cases - the only survivor - and convince her to face death once again...